In an exceptional display of batting prowess, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill crafted stellar centuries, firmly establishing India‘s control in the ongoing fifth Test match against England.
The hosts concluded Day 2 at 473/8 with a lead of 255 runs, leaving England in a significant deficit after India’s impressive bowling performance on the first day, led by spinner Kuldeep Yadav‘s five-wicket haul, which saw visitors being bundled out for 218.
Alastair Cook predicts a ‘slow death’ for England in Dharamsala
Former England captain Alastair Cook has forecasted a challenging fate for the visitors in the fifth Test at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Speaking to TNT Sports, Cook expressed that India is systematically closing all avenues for England, suggesting that unless something miraculous happens, the visitors are set to endure a slow death.
“It went away from [England] yesterday and this is the icing on the cake for India. This is like ‘we are shutting every door and locking it’. There is no way back into the game for England – they are making sure that is the case. In Test cricket, it’s a slow death and England are going to experience that over the next couple of days, you feel, unless something strange happens,” Cook said.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill put Team India in driver’s seat against England on Day 2 of Dharamsala Test
Cook commends England’s resilience despite tough series
While recognizing England’s struggle in the series, Cook also emphasized the human aspect of the game and the difficulties associated with prolonged stays away from home. Despite the tough conditions, Cook credited the players for their resilience, specifically commending Ben Stokes and his team for keeping the series competitive against the formidable Indian side.
“There’s a little of the human element that comes into it. We are sitting here away from the emotions of the game. We are sitting here at home watching the telly. I am not defending England but they have been away for getting on eight weeks. It’s a tough tour they’re not robots. They did pretty well in the first few Test matches, make it more competitive than anyone I think honestly said in the first four Test matches. It is a tough place to be,” the 39-year-old concluded.
India will be aiming to end their five-match Test series against England on a high, having taken an unassailable 3-1 lead after winning the Ranchi Test.
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